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2018
25
December
Is Monument Valley a Must-See on a Vancouver to Utah Road Trip?
25
December
Question:
Humans say...
Vineet
Hi Sharon how many peeps are going?
Sharon
Hi Vineet. Three of us.
Kevin
Moab is best for Arches and Canyonlands, since both are Moab's "backyard".
I don't think you could do all 5 in just 7-8 days. Driving there (comfortably) is going to take you two days already! Once you're there I assume you don't want to just drive around; for example seeing the Delicate Arch up close requires some hiking. Two weeks is more feasible.
Sharon
Thank you Kevin. I might be able to extend my trip to maybe ten days. I picked up this 7 days itinerary from a Utah travel forum. I thought we would be able to make it to the Salt Lake City on Day 1 considering that it is about 16 hrs drive. But I guess I should stretch the time a little more.
Kevin
You'll be really tired after driving for 16 hours, which may take some joy out of your first day there.
Sharon
Any stopover that you could suggest between Vancouver and Salt Lake City? I could consider some changes.
Robin
Boise Idaho is a very nice town with bike paths and brew pubs.
Kevin
Yup, Boise is almost exactly mid-way between Vancouver and Moab.
Sharon
Robin Sounds good. We could make it to Boise Idaho in about 10 hrs. Am exploring this option. Thank you. Thank you Kevin too.
Rachel
If you go to zion, do a canyoneering trip through red dessert adventure. We had an amazing guide and the canyon we did on the website was unnamed, and it was like doing antelope slot canyon but we were the only people in the canyon.
Steve
Check out the Modern Hotel (https://themodernhotel.com) on the edge of downtown Boise. It's an old tavelodge that's been given a hipster update. Good value and good quality continental breakfast included.
THEMODERNHOTEL.COM
The Modern Hotel & Bar | Boise, ID
Sharon
This is valuable Steve. On my list. Thank you.
Sharon
Rachel, that sounds very interesting. I should be able to include that. Thank you.
Steve
Sharan Sodhi yw Sharan. It's a cool place for a stop over. Much better than the no character chains.
Christer
All those places are worth a visit, as is Monument Valley. Spend a day or two there for a hike around the area or even the drive into the belly of it. It’s hot! Extend your trip, don’t do it half assed
Sharon
I am considering extending a bit. Am used to hot climate. Thank you.
Sukhie
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Saima
Omg! I've been thinking of doing this trip! Take me with you!!! Sounds amazing
Sheryl
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Carole
Zion is amazing! I thought it was even better than the Grand Canyon because you drive right through it, beautiful rock formations you can almost touch. Lots of people camping on one exit/entrance and hiking into the canyon, having 3 day passes. Enjoy!
Sharon
Initially, I thought I could leave out Zion. Now, I don't think so. I am excited! Thank you Carole.
Carole
Sharan Sodhi you are very welcome, enjoy! We were there beginning of March so yes you will have heat! AC for sure.
Ericka
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De
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Mia
I did a road trip over 2 weeks and stopped at Zion. I would have stayed there for several days. But the one day I was there was amazing. There's a guided horse day trip down a canyon that looked amazing - we weren't able to do it though that trip. We were also going to do Arches but the line up on the webcam was long - over an hour. We didn't have the time to wait for that long. Monument Valley is worth it. Hope your vehicle has A/C. It was hot in early April. It will be way hotter now. Enjoy your trip.
Sharon
Thank you Mia for some great information. I am going to check it out. I have a good SUV, so am daring to do a road trip despite the hot weather.
Sara
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A.I. says...
Planning a Road Trip from Vancouver to Utah's Mighty Five
Hello adventurers! If you're planning an epic road trip from Vancouver to explore Utah's stunning national parks, you're in for an unforgettable journey. The Mighty Five – Arches, Canyonlands, Zion, Capitol Reef, and Bryce Canyon – offer breathtaking landscapes, unique geological formations, and endless opportunities for hiking, photography, and immersing yourself in nature's grandeur.
Including Monument Valley and Horseshoe Bend
While the Mighty Five are the main attractions, it's absolutely worth considering adding Monument Valley and Horseshoe Bend to your itinerary. Monument Valley, a Navajo Tribal Park straddling the Arizona-Utah border, is a photographer's dream with its iconic sandstone buttes and monolithic rock formations. Witnessing the valley at sunrise or sunset is an experience you'll never forget.
Horseshoe Bend, located near Page, Arizona, offers a breathtaking view of the Colorado River's dramatic bend, carved into the vibrant red rocks. It's a relatively short hike from the parking area, but the payoff is an awe-inspiring sight that will leave you speechless.
Moab as a Base
Moab, Utah, is an excellent base for exploring the Mighty Five and the surrounding areas. It's centrally located and provides easy access to Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park. Moab offers a variety of accommodation options, from camping and RV parks to hotels and vacation rentals, catering to different budgets and preferences.
From Moab, you can take day trips to the other parks, including Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion. Keep in mind that Zion and Bryce Canyon are a bit farther away, with Zion being around a 4-hour drive and Bryce Canyon around 3.5 hours. However, the scenic drives through the stunning Utah landscapes make the journey an integral part of the adventure.
Planning Your Trip
With 7-8 days, you should have enough time to visit the Mighty Five, Monument Valley, and Horseshoe Bend, but it will require careful planning and efficient time management. Here's a suggested itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrive in Moab, explore the town
- Day 2: Arches National Park
- Day 3: Canyonlands National Park
- Day 4: Monument Valley and drive to Page, Arizona
- Day 5: Horseshoe Bend and drive to Bryce Canyon
- Day 6: Bryce Canyon National Park and drive to Capitol Reef
- Day 7: Capitol Reef National Park and drive to Zion
- Day 8: Zion National Park and start the journey back to Vancouver
Remember, this is just a rough outline, and you may need to adjust it based on your interests and pace. It's always a good idea to start your days early to beat the crowds and the scorching summer heat.
Final Thoughts
A road trip from Vancouver to Utah's national parks is an adventure of a lifetime. With stunning landscapes, diverse hiking trails, and opportunities for outdoor activities galore, you'll create memories that will last forever. Don't forget to pack your camera, sturdy hiking shoes, and a sense of wonder – the grandeur of these parks will leave you awestruck at every turn.
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Sharon
Hello Everyone. I am planning to go on a road trip from Vancouver to Utah by the end of July for about 7-8 days. I plan to do the Big Five - Arches, Cannyonlands, Zion, Capitol Reef and Bryce. I have heard that the Monument Valley is worth it. Can it be included in this trip? How about the Horse Shoe Bend? Would Moab be the ideal base for all these places?